ALOHA AUTISM
Pono Records
www.alohaautism.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2017
Honolulu, HI - To raise funds to assist those with autism, multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning recording artist Kawika Kahiapo, himself the father of a son with autism, has produced Aloha Autism, an album featuring songs by over a dozen of the top names in Hawaiian music. The high prevalence of children afflicted with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (estimated by the Centers for Disease Control at 1 in 68 in the United States alone) is becoming more well-known, and when contacted by Kawika and asked if they were interested in participating in this project, each artist was quick to say yes. As a result, the album features music by artists well-known throughout Hawai'i, and in some cases, the world - including Jack Johnson, Jake Shimabukuro, Amy Gilliom, Nathan Aweau, and many more.
Kahiapo initiated this project thanks to a long-standing friendship between his family and Don and Julianne King, co-founders of the Hawaii Autism Foundation. Both families are well aware of the need for education, programs, and treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders, and children in Hawaii have a particularly difficult time accessing treatments due to geographic isolation and costs. To help fill that need, the Kings founded the Hawaii Autism Foundation in 2007 to assist Hawaii families in both finding and funding treatments. The Foundation also develops resources that will ensure that children have the tools and transitional support they need in order to reach their full potential and thrive as adults.
To assist the Foundation in furthering its work and services, Kahiapo did what he knows best - he pulled some of his musician friends together to create the special benefit CD. Tracks include: Home (Jack Johnson); Master of Ceremonies (Johnny Helm); Shine On (John Cruz); Molokai On My Mind (Blayne Asing); "Walking With You (Makana); Ku’u Momi Makamae (Nathan Aweau); Little Lullaby (Brother Noland); Father to Son (Kawika Kahiapo); What Love (Na Leo); Go For Broke (Jake Shimabukuro); Every Child a Promise (Robi Kahakalau); Stand In the Light (Henry Kapono); Saved (Imua and Tiffa Garza); Ka Malu Akua (Amy Gilliom).
Produced by Kahiapo, all tracks on Aloha Autism were previously recorded, appear on the individual artists' own CDs, and were donated to this project. Imua Garza remixed and balanced each track for inclusion on this album.
Proceeds from the sale of Aloha Autism will be donated to the Hawaii Autism Foundation (hawaiiautismfoundation.org), to benefit The ARC in Hawaii (http://www.thearcinhawaii.org/) and the Kahumana Learning Center (https://www.kahumana.org/learning-center). Both organizations serve people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Aloha Autism is scheduled for release November 10, 2017, and will be available in digital format on iTunes, CD Baby, and other digital outlets, and in CD format at mkaloha.com and cdbaby.com.
In addition, the Hard Rock Cafe is sponsoring a CD Release Party on November 19, 2017 2-5pm, featuring performances by Amy Hanaialiʻi, Johnny Helm, Robi Kahakalau, Kawika Kahiapo, Lehua Kalima, Henry Kapono, and Jake Shimabukuro. Admission includes a copy of the CD, heavy pupu buffet, and drinks. For ticket information, go to www.alohaautism.com (presale tickets only - seating is limited!).
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